臺灣
Tâi-oân
Taiwan in Hokkien is 臺灣 (Tâi-oân).
臺灣 is the name of the East Asian country, Taiwan.
Meaning: East Asian country (name)
Which one should you use?
臺灣 and Tâi-uân are both alternative formal terms for Taiwan.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is Tâi-oân.
Did you know?
- The word 臺 in 臺灣 refers to a 'platform' or 'terrace', which describes how the island's geography looked to early settlers.
- The phrase 臺灣 is frequently paired with hú-lâng to describe the historical meeting of the local people and the 'red-haired' Dutch settlers.
- Hokkien is often called Tâi-uân-oē meaning 'Taiwanese language', creating a recursive relationship where the name of the place defines the tongue.
Examples in context
- 臺灣真美丽。Tâi-uân chin bí-lì.Taiwan is very beautiful.
- 我欲去臺灣。Guá beh khì Tâi-uân.I want to go to Taiwan.
- 臺灣的食物好食。Tâi-uân ê si̍k-bu̍t hó-chia̍h.Taiwan's food is delicious.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about travel plans.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi佳怡，你準備好去臺灣了嗎？Ka-í, lí chuẩn-pī hó khì Tâi-uân liáu–mā?Jiayi, are you ready to go to Taiwan?
- 國強 Kok-kiang準備好了，國強！Chuẩn-pī hó liáu, Kok-kiông!I am ready, Guoqiang!
- 佳怡 Chia-yi臺灣的天氣現在如何？Tâi-uân ê thian-khì hiàn-chāi jû-huê?How is the weather in Taiwan right now?
- 國強 Kok-kiang聽講現在很溫暖。thiann-kóng hiàn-chāi chin un-nuán.I heard it is very warm now.
